Eight people have been arrested in an operation targeting a sophisticated methamphetamine and burglary ring police have described as one of the most significant crime operations seen in Christchurch for some time.
Over the past two days Christchurch police have executed search warrants on properties in Christchurch and Loburn, North Canterbury.
Eight people have been arrested at this stage. Two have been released on bail, and the other six are appearing in the Christchurch District Court this afternoon charged with participating in a organised criminal group.
Two of them are also charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply.
Detective Inspector Greg Williams expected this group, and others, would face further serious charges.
Det Insp Williams said the operation was launched after police noted a significant surge in commercial burglaries in the Canterbury District this year.
The group was targeting premises which contained expensive tools, computer and electronic equipment and expensive motor vehicles, as well as cash.
They also targeted Subway outlets, restaurants, bakeries and other retail outlets where safes were targeted for cash.
"To date more than 40 commercial burglaries have been attributed to this group. The total value of the property stolen is around $800,000," he said.
Det Insp Williams said it would be alleged that those arrested were part of an organised crime group responsible for this series of burglaries, along with widespread dealing in methamphetamine and the sale and growing of cannabis.
"Four of these people are from one family. The investigation has established that they are either members of, or closely associated with, motorcycle gangs both here and in Auckland.
A "significant" amount of stolen property linked to the commercial burglaries had been recovered from multiple addresses, including computer equipment, electric items, and tools.
"At a Hornby address, Police located 7.8 ounces of crystal methamphetamine, $50,000 in cash and a shotgun, in addition to a quantity of stolen property.
One of those arrested was apprehended at Hornby Mall yesterday morning with 36 grams of methamphetamine located in a bag in his vehicle, along with $3000 in cash.
"At this stage a total of 9.3 ounces of methamphetamine with a street value of $263,000 has been seized.
"In addition to this, a sophisticated cannabis grow was located at another Christchurch property. As a result of documentation found there Police executed a further warrant on a property in Loburn, finding a sophisticated cannabis operation that was set up but had not yet started producing.
"At the Loburn address Police also located a Holden GTS Commodore vehicle worth $35,000 which was stolen in a burglary in February, and which it will be alleged was used in a number of these commercial burglaries."
Det Insp Williams said the investigation established the group had accumulated significant assets with no apparent legitimate source of income.
To date four high performance motor vehicles and two Ducati Superbikes, with a total value of $233,000, had been seized pursuant to the Criminal Proceeds Act.
A total of $61,000 in cash has also been seized from various addresses.
"This is one of the most significant crime operations seen in the city for some time," Det Insp Williams said.
"It is my view that these arrests will have a significant impact on the supply of methamphetamine into the Canterbury District.
